Introduction:
The S.P.I.R.E. (Specialized Program Individualizing Reading Excellence) curriculum is available in three formats: S.P.I.R.E. Print, S.P.I.R.E. Hybrid, and iSPIRE. Regardless of the format, all S.P.I.R.E. lessons follow a consistent, multisensory 10-step Lesson structure designed to help struggling readers and nonreaders develop critical reading skills. This article provides an overview of the 10 steps and how they are implemented across the different S.P.I.R.E. formats. The PDF guide can be accessed here: 10-Step Lesson Overview.
The 10 Steps:
Phonogram Cards: Students review previously learned concepts and are introduced to new ones using Key Word Concept Sheets and Phonogram/Word Cards. Physical cards are used in S.P.I.R.E. Print and Hybrid, while iSPIRE utilizes digital, interactive displays.
Phonological Awareness: Through engaging activities, students develop their ability to identify, manipulate, and work with the sounds in spoken language. Depending on the S.P.I.R.E. format, these activities may be conducted orally, with manipulatives, or using digital tools.
Word Building: Students practice building and manipulating words, reinforcing their understanding of sound-symbol relationships. S.P.I.R.E. Print and Hybrid use color-coded letter tiles, while iSPIRE employs digital manipulatives.
Decoding and Sentence Reading: Students apply decoding strategies to read words and sentences, building fluency and comprehension skills. In S.P.I.R.E. Print and Hybrid, students work with printed materials while iSPIRE presents words and sentences digitally.
Prereading: The teacher guides students in analyzing the phoneme-grapheme relationships in words and introduces the reading passage, helping students build background knowledge and prepare for reading. This step is conducted similarly across all S.P.I.R.E. formats.
Reading and Reading Comprehension: Students read various texts, including fiction and nonfiction passages, to practice applying new concepts and developing comprehension skills. S.P.I.R.E. Print and Hybrid use printed passages, while iSPIRE presents texts digitally.
Sound Dictation: The teacher dictates sounds, and students practice writing the corresponding letter combinations and reading them back. Students write on paper in S.P.I.R.E. Print and Hybrid, while iSPIRE allows digital input.
Prespelling: In this oral activity, the teacher and students analyze the first spelling word, focusing on its phoneme-grapheme relationships. This step is conducted similarly across all S.P.I.R.E. formats.
Spelling: Students spell dictated words by naming the letters and sounding out the words, reinforcing the connection between sounds and written language. Students write on paper in S.P.I.R.E. Print and Hybrid, while iSPIRE allows digital input.
Sentence Dictation: As a culminating activity, students write dictated sentences, proofread, and make corrections with teacher support, applying their new skills in context. Students write on paper in S.P.I.R.E. Print and Hybrid, while iSPIRE allows digital input.
Independent Work: Following the 10-Step Lesson, students have the opportunity to practice and reinforce their learning through a variety of independent activities, such as workbook exercises, reading decodable texts, and writing sentences using the new concepts. The format of these activities varies depending on the S.P.I.R.E. version being used.
As a S.P.I.R.E. user, you have access to a range of resources and support to ensure the successful implementation of the program in your classroom, regardless of the format you have chosen. Our curriculum support team is dedicated to helping you maximize the impact of S.P.I.R.E. on your students' reading achievement.
If you have any questions about implementing the 10-Step Lesson structure, accessing resources, or navigating the specific S.P.I.R.E. format you are using, please don't hesitate to reach out. We offer ongoing professional development, coaching, and technical assistance tailored to each version of the S.P.I.R.E. program.